A historic sweep
The New York Knicks erased a 17‑14 first‑quarter lead by the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 20‑0 run, turning a tight opening into a 68‑49 halftime advantage that set the tone for the rest of the game.
New York completed a 4‑0 sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals, beating the Cavaliers 130‑93 in the decisive game and clinching a return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Key contributors included Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, OG Anunoby with 17 points, and Landry Shamet adding 16 off the bench. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each scored 15, while Brunson’s all‑around performance earned him the series MVP.
Brunson averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists during the series, posting a 25.5 point average that underscored his role as the team’s engine. His MVP award highlighted a dominant stretch in which the Knicks won 11 straight playoff games.
The victory marks the Knicks’ third Finals appearance since their last championship in 1973, a timeline that includes heartbreaking losses to the Houston Rockets in 1994 and the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. Legends Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Patrick Ewing presented the Eastern Conference championship trophy, adding a nostalgic touch to the night.
New York now awaits the winner of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, a matchup that will determine the opponent in what promises to be a high‑stakes Finals. The Knicks enter the championship round four wins away from capturing the 2026 NBA title.